Blessing of St. Monica Church in Tazara

On Sunday the 15th of December 2013 Archbishop Ignatius Chama blessed the new Tazara Church dedicated to St. Monica. Thousands of people were present and filled the big new Church, they were even sitting outside and standing on the walls and between the pews. It was a moving service, many had never experienced the consecration of a new church: The knocking at the door of the new church, ” be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD…”; the blessing of the Church inside-out with holy water, the consecration of the altar with holy Chrism oil, the incensing of the entire building, the lighting of the candles on the alter and the 12 lamp-stands; all very solemn and edifying. Even the many children were attentively following the ceremony only to fall into slumber again during the sermon…

Many kids watched the event

Bishop addressing the faithful

Procession from the old to the new Church

Entering St. Monica

The faithful were very happy and thanked the bishop for this new church, made possible through the contribution of our trusted donors from the Archdiocese of Paderborn, Church-in-Need in Königstein, the Fürstenberg Trust and others. Thank you very much for help and support, it made this new church possible.

Outgoing Parish Priest P.Bwalya (3rd left)

Consecration of the Altar

Incense

Filled to capacity

Archbishop Chama thanked the faithful for their contribution and help as well as Lwanga Contruction Ltd. the builders of the church for their workmanship and finishing standards. The pictures show the joy and solemnity of the event.

Stella Girls dancing

Thanking the Lord